The decision comes after an all-in-one survey revealed libraries were highly valued by the vast majority of Richmond residents.
A pioneering decision to buck the national trend and extend library opening hours was announced by Richmond Council today.
The decision comes after an all-in-one survey revealed libraries were highly valued by the vast majority of Richmond residents.
From the 18th April, Whitton, East Sheen, Teddington and Twickenham libraries will open on Mondays, and Castelnau Library will operate for an additional 20 hours per week.
Despite national closures Richmond has kept every library open, thanks largely to a process of restructuring and re-designation of resources.
“It is a classic example of looking at how we can do things better and more efficiently,” said Cllr Pamela Fleming, Strategic Cabinet Member for Community, Business and Culture.
“Libraries can’t stand still. They have to evolve and change.”
She said future library changes should be primarily governed by the needs and wants of the local community.
“We want to get residents even more involved in libraries. We want them to be telling us what they want in their libraries,” she said.
“This is part of the wider process of putting libraries right there at the heart of our community.”
The modern library provides a wide variety of services, such as the internet, and communal spaces for various community activities, such as book clubs.
“Libraries should be lively community hubs, not stuffy old places,” said Cllr Fleming.
She said Richmond libraries saw a very high usage from children and the elderly, but hopes increased opening hours will attract more 30-50-year-olds.
“Extended opening hours make libraries more accessible for working people,” she said.
Of the 4,612 libraries in the UK, an estimated 10% are currently either closed or under threat of closure.
But Richmond Council and residents are playing their part in ensuring culture remains at the forefront of daily life in the borough.
“We have a very strong cultural group in Richmond. Culture is something that people want to preserve and enhance,” said Cllr Fleming.
“People are very proud of the cultural activities we have on offer.”
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